13 volcanic quakes recorded at Taal Volcano

Thirteen volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Taal Volcano in Batangas in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Monday.

The volcano also had a volcanic tremor lasting 3 minutes, it said.

Taal Volcano also emitted 4,829 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Saturday, and a plume was observed rising up to 1,000 meters tall before drifting northeast and southwest.

Alert Level 2 (increased unrest) remains hoisted over Taal Volcano, PHIVOLCS said.

PHIVOLCS last measured the acidity of the water in the main crater lake on February 12, 2021, and it was 1.59.

The main crater lake's temperature meanwhile was last taken on March 4, 2021, and it was 71.8ºC.

The Taal Volcano Island and Taal Caldera continue to deflate, PHIVOLCS added.

PHIVOLCS reiterated that Taal Volcano Island, as it is the Permanent Danger Zone, should be kept off limits, especially the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures.

It also said occupancy and boating on Taal Lake should be prohibited.

Likewise, flying aircraft close to the volcano should be avoided.

PHIVOLCS said the volcano poses possible hazards such as steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas. —KG, GMA News